Rabid skunk found inside Fort Morgan city limits

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The Northeast Colorado Health Department received word last week that a skunk found inside Fort Morgan city limits had tested positive for rabies.

The skunk was observed near the city parks shop and is suspected of coming into contact with a vaccinated domestic cat.

No human contact is suspected, and the cat has been placed on a 45-day home observation.

This is the third skunk to be discovered in a populated area in northeast Colorado since mid-February. The other skunks were discovered in Sterling and Haxtun.

“All of rabid animals we’ve been seeing over the past few years have been discovered in rural or less populated areas,” said Dr. Tony Cappello, NCHD’s public health director. “The fact that we’re starting to see these animals in more populated areas presents a new and immediate threat to public health because anytime a disease enters an area with a larger population there is a significant increase in the possibility of human exposure. ”

According to Cappello there has been a big increase in the number of rabid skunks since the beginning of the year. With that kind of an increase, the worry is the virus will cross over into other species, including foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and especially feral cats.

“When that happens, it substantially increases the risk of exposure to family pets, and in turn your family members. There are three people in the history of the U.S. who have survived rabies without treatment. This is a fatal disease.”

“We don’t have any reason to believe this virus is going away any time soon,” said Cappello. “Skunks do not hibernate over the winter so the risk of transmission to unvaccinated pets is high year-round. A rabies vaccination offers the best protection and is easy and affordable to obtain from your veterinarian. This is a very logical alternative to a family member having to receive post-exposure prophylaxis which is quite expensive and involves a series shots.”

If you witness a suspected rabid skunk or other wild animal contact the sheriff’s office or local police in your area. To prevent possible exposure to rabies, health experts warn residents to keep their pets’ vaccinations up-to-date; leave wildlife alone, do not take in stray animals, especially feral cats, and if they suspect a family member or pet has been bitten or scratched, contact a medical provider or local veterinarian immediately.

For more information on rabies contact NCHD at (970) 522-3741, or visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s website at cdphe.state.co.us. For information on rabies vaccinations, contact your local veterinarian.

The department is mapping positive rabid animals in northeast Colorado, and there is a link on the front page of its website on the right hand side of the page called Rabies map. The map is being updated every Friday.